Now that you have some idea about the type of degree or education you need to get the career you want, you might like to know which schools and colleges offer those programs.
Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Four-year colleges and universities are popular choices for students who go to college right after high school. These can be public, like The Evergreen State College, or private, like Whitworth College. State and federal governments manage public colleges; private organizations and religious groups run private colleges. Both types offer certificates, bachelor’s (sometimes called four-year degrees), master’s, professional, and doctoral degrees in areas such as business administration, history, biology, math, English, education, and more.
Two-Year Colleges
Two-year colleges are usually called community or technical colleges. In some states they are called junior colleges. Examples of these include Big Bend Community College and Lake Washington Technical College. These schools offer associate’s degrees (sometimes called two-year degrees) and certificate programs. Washington community and technical colleges teach specific subjects like computer programming, graphic design, early childhood education, and automotive technology, and general subjects like history, math, and English. With some two-year degrees, you can transfer directly to a four-year school.
Private Vocational Colleges
Private vocational colleges are sometimes called voc-tech or trade schools. They often partner with unions and trade groups to offer apprentice and journeyman programs in fields like plumbing, carpentry, or welding. The length of each program varies, but many can take three or more years to complete.
Proprietary or For-Profit Schools
Proprietary or for-profit schools can offer master’s and bachelor’s degrees, but most offer associate’s degrees or certificates in office management, medical assistance, cosmetology, dental hygiene, computer systems engineering, and more. Examples of these schools include the University of Phoenix, Bryman College, and Clare’s Beauty College. Again, the length of each program varies. Many take less than one year to complete.